Homily for the Solemnity of Christ the King, Year C 2010 - Fr. Satish Joseph

Does the paradox of the gospel reading chosen for such a majestic feast strike you as unusual? Why would the church choose the most shameful moments of Christ’s life as the gospel reading for the Solemnity of Christ the King? When we celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, and events connected with our loved ones, don’t we normally focus on the positive? The gospel, on the other hand says about Jesus that the rulers sneered at him, the soldiers jeered at him, and one of the criminals reviled him, saying “Are you not the Christ?” But why does the church want to read this gospel for the feast of Christ the King? Why could the Church not have chosen a reading for this feast where Christ is shown in his splendor – the transfiguration of Jesus or the Ascension of Jesus, for example?

Homily for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C 2010 - Fr. Satish Joseph

Do you sense a revolt brewing inside you when, in the middle of September, you see a decorated Christmas tree at the malls? I feel violated. I feel someone has taken something very sacred to me and made a mockery out of it. It is as if someone was wishing me ‘happy birthday’ in November when my birthday isn’t until February. Over the past few days, I have also seen Christmas lights – it must be the warm weather; or a rather depressing political season (people actually want some good news), or the drudgery of the economy is making people impatient for celebration. Liturgically, however, we are at a different place. After all, no matter how impatient we might be, we cannot avoid the natural cycle of life can we?

Homily for the 32nd Sunday of Oridniary Time, Year c 2010 - Fr. Satish Joseph

One of the regrets I have in life is that my faith has never been severely tested. I have never lived underground, my life has never been in danger, or I have never had to choose between my family and my faith. I wonder if faith would mean something different had it to be challenged in a serious way. Do you wonder the same? How can we know how precious our faith in Jesus is unless it is tested?